BNS, BNSS and BSA in AIBE XXII: What Changed and How to Prepare

What changed

On 1 July 2024 the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaced the Indian Penal Code, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaced the Indian Evidence Act. In AIBE XXII's 100 questions, the BCI syllabus gives 8 to IPC/BNS, 10 to CrPC/BNSS and 8 to Evidence Act/BSA — 26 in all.

Why old papers use the old numbering

AIBE-I to AIBE-XVIII were set under the IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act. From AIBE-XIX the papers mix in the new laws. Questions tagged to the BNS, BNSS or BSA: AIBE-XIX: 22, AIBE-XX: 11, AIBE-XXI: 13. So practise with both numberings, and know which new section replaced each old one.

Sections that come up most: old to new

ChangeOld sectionNew sectionSubject
IPC → BNS302103Punishment for murder
IPC → BNS420318Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property
IPC → BNS37664Punishment for rape
IPC → BNS498A85Husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty
IPC → BNS343(5)Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention
CrPC → BNSS154173Information in cognizable cases
CrPC → BNSS438482Direction for grant of bail to person apprehending arrest
CrPC → BNSS125144Order for maintenance of wives, children and parents
IEA → BSA65B63Admissibility of electronic records
IEA → BSA3226Cases in which statement of relevant fact by person who is dead or cannot be found, etc., is relevant

Full comparisons: BNS vs IPC · BNSS vs CrPC · BSA vs Evidence Act

Sample questions from AIBE-XXI

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

Under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, what is the current range of punishments available to a court for the offence of 'Defamation'?

  1. (A) Simple imprisonment, or fine, or both, or Community Service
  2. (B) Rigorous imprisonment for 5 years
  3. (C) Only a fine
  4. (D) Only an apology in open court
Show answer and explanation

Answer: (A)

The explanation for this question is in the full paper on Pass The Bar.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, has introduced a specific timeframe for the delivery of a judgment after the conclusion of arguments. What is that timeframe?

  1. (A) Within a strict period of 15 days
  2. (B) Within 30 days (extendable to 45 days)
  3. (C) Within 90 days, provided the reasons for delay are recorded
  4. (D) Within 60 days from the date of reserving the order
Show answer and explanation

Answer: (B)

The explanation for this question is in the full paper on Pass The Bar.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)

Which of the following does not fall under the framework of presumption under Section 2 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023?

  1. (A) Conclusive proof
  2. (B) Shall presume
  3. (C) Unassailable proof
  4. (D) May presume
Show answer and explanation

Answer: (C)

The explanation for this question is in the full paper on Pass The Bar.

More: all 21 previous-year papers · subject-wise practice

Frequently asked questions

Does AIBE XXII ask about the BNS, BNSS and BSA?

Yes. The BCI syllabus gives 8 questions to IPC/BNS, 10 to CrPC/BNSS and 8 to Evidence Act/BSA — 26 of the 100.

Should I study the old IPC sections or the new BNS sections?

Both. New questions use the BNS, BNSS and BSA, but most past papers use the old numbering, and questions often ask which new section replaced an old one.

Which Bare Acts should I carry for AIBE XXII?

Clean copies of the BNS, BNSS and BSA, with no notes or highlighting — AIBE is open-book for clean Bare Acts only.

Where can I compare old and new sections?

Pass The Bar's comparison pages map every IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act section to its BNS, BNSS and BSA equivalent.